is a constant humidity of 68% bad?

[devinrw]

the humidity where i live is already higher than 60 I can get the humidity down to 68 with around 60 holes poked in the tub is a constant humidity of 68 really bad for ball python?

[KMG]

Most care sheets call for 40 to 60 percent. A higher number is good during shed. If you can't get it down and it stays high read up on respiratory infection. This way you will know the signs.

How are you heating the snake?

[devinrw]

yes sorry.

[KMG]

yes sorry.

My fault. I didn't notice you posted under BP husbandry. I re wrote my post.

[devinrw]

uth. have a skmall water bowl in the opposite corner.. i had one of those cheap dial hygrometers that told me humidity was perfect switched to accurite and it told me my humidity was way high lol.

[KMG]

Yea, most are junk. I Have found that the Zoo Med dual gauge they sell at most pet stores is actually pretty accurate. I bought one for my cool side but tested it in my cigar humidor first. It was spot on.

I wouldn't say 68 is BAD, but I don't think its best. How are your temps? This is a tub or tupperware? Where do you have the probe in the container?

[devinrw]

temps are pretty spot on daytime is 80/90 and night time is 79/88 the probes are above the heat tape and in the furthest corner away from heat tape. it is a tub in a rack.

[KMG]

I wrote this as you posted. Doesn't really all apply to a tub. I use naturalistic terrariums so its alittle different. Maybe a tub user could give you better help. Sorry.


Check your humidity more on the warm side. Keep the probe more to the warm side, you might find it a bit lower and that your setup is good. If your humidity is good on the warm side then it being alittle higher should be fine on the cool side.

I would suggest getting a IR temp gun. When I started using one I found that numbers were not as good as i thought.

If you find your numbers off, and your setup will allow, you can add a heat lamp. This will kill some humidity. Or you might just switch over to a lamp system. Again, if it will work for you and keeps your numbers good. I Keep a cold home and actually use a uth, ceramic heater, and a set of low watt day/night bulbs for alittle extra heat on my 40 gallon tank.



Another thing that can change your humidity is your substrate. Something like Eco-Earth or Forest Floor is very damp in the beginning and will cause higher humidity. Changing to a dry aspen shaving or newspaper will not raise your humidity and may lower your levels.

This is all guessing for you, not being there I can not be sure of anything. If you do change your heat source remove your snake while you get things right.

[ZBP]

68 is fine, I have read of people keeping there humidity at a constant number between 60-70 and this is about the range mine stays in and I've had no problem.

[KMG]

68 is fine, I have read of people keeping there humidity at a constant number between 60-70 and this is about the range mine stays in and I've had no problem.

I agree hoovering between 60-70 is fine but would be cautious about keeping it near 70. I would just keep a close watch over the snake til it proves its fine with that and like I said read up on RI so you will know the signs fast. RI can take out a snake quick if you don't catch it in time.

I wish some more tub users would let us know if they keep their levels this hig constantly. I have a big tank which allows for a wider range of zones. I've never had to worry about to much humidity. Mine is only that high after misting. Mine hoovers between 45-55 regularly.